How to stretch leather shoes at home?

If you want to save money on going to the workshop and not rely on specialists, then you will be interested to learn how to stretch leather shoes at home.

These are proven methods that have been tested by more than one generation. All of them will give a result in almost 100% of cases, but caution should be exercised. You can not use any of them by accident: some are suitable for artificial leather, some are only for varnish or suede. But most are suitable for natural smooth skin. Therefore, forward, we will bring your new pair of shoes or shoes to the maximum perfection and comfort.

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Several popular stretch methods

First of all, look and try to determine by eye what kind of skin is in front of you. If it is not very thick and tough, then you will get by with not the strongest impact. If it’s rough skin, which shoes are usually made of, then any method is suitable for you, because it is a very durable material.

Here are simple ways to solve the problem of crushing and rubbing shoes.

The mildest way

Spread shoes with a woolen sock. This is a time-tested method. You need to put on a thick sock, shoes on it, and walk around the apartment like this for several hours. Sometimes, it may be worth taking off shoes so as not to harm the foot.

Important! It will take time, but the shoes will not be damaged.

Get the result you want with alcohol

1. If the first method is too long for you, use a solution of alcohol: Dilute alcohol and water 1: 1, pour it all into the spray bottle and moisturize the boot from the inside.
2. Soak it with a solution and put it on top of the sock for half an hour.
3. Then let dry, but not in the sun.

Important! Instead of a solution, you can take a window cleaner or perfume. Alcohol can dry your skin, so treat your shoes with warm petroleum jelly one day after using it.

Vaseline and castor oil will help

Treat the inside of the shoe with petroleum jelly, insert a block that can be purchased at the store. With it, you can stretch the skin without ruining its shape. After a day, wash off the remaining petroleum jelly using cotton wool.

Hard way

You can soak your shoes in boiling water, but this is a pretty tough method that works only for very thick skin. Pour boiling water into your boots for half a minute, then pour and put them on with socks.

Important! If this method is too coarse for you, you can wrap the pair with a rag soaked in hot water.

Be sure to dry your shoes at the end.

Remember physics

You can freeze a pair that is not your size. To do this, arm yourself with a couple of balloons or plastic bags, collect water in them. Now put each bag inside the shoe, distribute so that the water “spreads”, and send it to the freezer.

Having taken out shoes or boots after a couple of hours, check the result.

The ancient cowboy method

In this method of stretching, leather shoes at home will have to act in this way. Pour in the soaked grain so that it swells and stretches the skin.

True, then the shoes will be relatively difficult to clean and a characteristic odor will appear. Here, soda or vinegar will help you, which neutralize any amber.

Important! It is better to dry the skin and lubricate it with some oil after using each of the listed methods.This will extend her life and preserve her presentability.

The traditional method from the USSR

Another method that does not harm your shoe is using newspapers. Crumple them, put them in shoes and leave them overnight. The paper will expand and push against the walls. Some recommend wetting newspapers with alcohol, but still, rather, do not.

Important! Please note that newspaper paint may creep onto shoes.

For thick leather shoes with fur

Fur shoes are extremely difficult to stretch. Try putting it on with thick socks and blowing it with a hairdryer. You can try to take out the insole and buy a thinner one. The pair will become less warm, but more space will appear in it, and you can put it on.

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Choosing the right approach

If you purchased shoes made from nubuck or other natural materials, then the above methods will not work for you, except for the first:

• Alcohol will leave streaks, and after it dries, cracks may appear on the material.
• Oils can leave greasy stains on fabric materials.
• Boiling water warps suede shoes.

If you bought one and think about how the shoes are stretched at home, special tools will help you. They can be purchased at the store. The following companies produce them:

• Salamander;
• Oke
• Twist
• Salton;
• Kiwi;
• Silver

Consult with the seller which one is right for you.

Important! They may have better water repellent properties or be safe for the skin.

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How to stretch leatherette?

If you bought shoes made of artificial leather and it’s small for you, it’s better to return it to the store or give it to someone. Leatherette lacks the softness and suppleness that ordinary skin has. You will not be able to stretch it in the same way as natural.

Important! Try wearing it with a woolen sock for several days at home. Lubricate the surface with petroleum jelly. It still won’t make shoes anymore, but it’s better to sit on your foot.

If you really like the shoes, but they rub and are somehow small, then use paraffin. In this case, it will also not work to stretch the shoes at home:

1. Previously, they should be heated with a hairdryer.
2. Treat difficult areas with a paraffin candle. Typically, this is the heel, seams or side surfaces. Paraffin will smooth the coating and the artificial material will stop rubbing.
3. At the end, scrape off the paraffin and wipe the shoes with a cotton pad with petroleum jelly.

Important! It is believed that kerosene can be used. Use it or not - decide for yourself if you have such a tool in your household.

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An effective way to rubber

It is suitable even not so much for rubber as for the now popular PVC. To find out what material your shoes are made of, heat the awl, touch the surface slightly, but do not puncture. If the material has melted, then this is PVC, which means that you are lucky, it is easier to work with it.

You will need:

• boiling water;
• the pelvis.

Pour water into boots, wait 5 minutes, the material will soften. Pour out water, put on boots with thick socks. Walk a little so that the material begins to fit the leg. Ultimately, the material should take on the form that is most comfortable for your feet. Then let the shoe rest, do not use it for a couple of days.

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How can stretch patent shoes?

This is the most difficult option on how to stretch shoes at home. The varnish can crack and prevent the skin from stretching. Such shoes are difficult to stretch even half the size. However, you can soften the inside of this shoe, then it will no longer rub:

• Try to carry it with a toe first.
• If after a couple of days you do not achieve the desired result, then try an alcohol solution in a 2: 1 ratio. Moisten them with shoes only inside, put them on, wear them for a while, then dry them.

Important! Do not heat with a hairdryer or boiling water. This will completely ruin the material. You should not even heat it from the inside, more often it will also ruin the shoes.

• Vaseline is quite effective.
• To avoid stains, use a stretcher foam instead of fatty substances. You can also more carefully handle the heel, toe, places of formation of corns and knead them with your hands. Then use a special block, inserting it for a day. If necessary, repeat.

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Stock footage

All these methods are time-tested, therefore they are quite effective. It is worth bearing in mind the difference in quality between expensive shoes and cheap. Plus, it should be borne in mind that thinner material is less designed for rough exposure. Before embarking on hard methods, try those that are softer. It’s better to try to stretch the shoes with a simple sock. Maybe it’s enough to suffer a day or two, and then it will become more convenient for you to wear this pair.